PAINSTAKING work to restore the town’s iconic Golden Gates has now entered the final stage.

After being taken away in October to be repainted, the first sections of the gates are now being fitted back outside the Town Hall.

Warrington Borough Council is spending £500,000 to improve the historic gates after they fell into disrepair.

The Grade II listed structure was originally intended as a gift for Queen Victoria before being purchased for the town by councillor Frederick Monks.

The previous refurbishment was carried out in 1978-79.

READ > Why the Queen was so angered by the Golden Gates that they ended up in Warrington

However, the council says the ‘urban location’ and proximity to a ‘marine climate’ have resulted in the gates showing signs of deterioration.

Warrington Guardian:

The authority began work with international engineering, design and consultancy company, Ramboll, to identify the right conservators to carry out the specialist work.

Following a tender process, the council selected Hall Conservation – one of the UK’s leading conservation firms – as the contractor.

Warrington Guardian:

Throughout the winter a frieze replaced the gates but this was taken down in recent weeks in preparation for the return of the gates.